Iceland’s Towns & Cities
Iceland’s population of 320,000, is spread over a number of small cities and towns. The majority live in or around the Iceland capital city, Reykjavik.
Reykjavik | Akureyri | Hafnarfjordur | Kopavogur | Keflavik
Iceland Cities by population
Reykjavík – population 119,900
Kópavogur – population 29,795
Hafnarfjörður – population 25,434
Akureyri – population 17,390
Reykjanesbær – population 14,029
Keflavík – population14,000
Garðabær – population 10,272
As you can see, apart from Reykjavik, other Iceland cities have a population of less than 30,000. Small in size but big in personality, each of the cities of Iceland has multiple attractions and reasons to visit.
Reykjavik
There is a wide range of attractions and activities in Reykjavik. If you would like to experience the culture of Iceland, you can visit the Centre for Icelandic Art, the National Museum of Iceland or the outdoor museum, Arbaejarsaf. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants at varying prices, including inside Perlan, which offers fine dining and panoramic views of the city – perfect for taking amazing photos of your Iceland holiday.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities when you visit Iceland, and Reykjavik, such as Kringlan, the second-largest shopping mall in Iceland, as well as a main shopping street in Laugavegar.
Reykjavik also has a reputation for being a party capital – the are lots of nightclubs so be sure to factor in a night out when you visit Reykjavik.
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Akureyri
Akureyri is known as the ‘Capital of the North’ as it was once the main port of Iceland before the population dispersed around the island.
In Akureyri, you will find the northernmost botanical garden in the world. There is also an 18 hole golf course. There are many festivals at various times of the year held here, including the International Music Festival and a medieval festival.
Hafnarfjordur
The third most populous town in Iceland, Hafnarfjordur is a small fishing port not far from Reykjavik. A short drive from the capital, Hafnarfjordur offers a real insight into Icelandic life.
Hafnarfjordur depends upon the fishing trade, as well as freight haulage. If you visit Iceland and want to experience the true nature of the country, then Hafnarfjordur is a quiet town in which you can really unwind.
A Viking festival is held on Summer Solstice each year, which gathers huge interest. The town is also known as the City of Elves, due to local belief that the many boulders around Hafnarfjordur contain elf homes. There are plenty of elf tours for those interested in the tales.
Harfnarfjordur is a quintessential Icelandic town, and is really worth a visit.
Planning to visit Iceland?
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Kopavogur
Kopavogur lies just south of Reykjavik and is the third-largest town in the country. Mainly residential, Kopavogur boasts many bars, cafes and restaurants. The Smaratorg Tower – the largest building in the whole of Iceland – can be found here, and attracts its fair share of Iceland tourism.
Keflavik
Keflavik holds the perfect reason to visit Iceland – the Blue Lagoon. A geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon contains naturally-heated outdoor pools and springs, as well as a spa, for the ultimate in relaxation.
Car rental gives you the freedom to visit and explore many of the cities and towns in Iceland which are only accessible by road or air.
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We continually add information to our Iceland Cities pages, so check back regularly for more suggestions.
